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In mathematics, a function is a rule for taking an input (in the simplest case, a number or set of numbers) [5] and providing an output (which may also be a number). [5] A symbol that stands for an arbitrary input is called an independent variable, while a symbol that stands for an arbitrary output is called a dependent variable. [6]
A function that takes a single argument as input, such as () =, is called a unary function. A function of two or more variables is considered to have a domain consisting of ordered pairs or tuples of argument values. The argument of a circular function is an angle.
It consists of terms that are either variables, function definitions (𝜆-terms), or applications of functions to terms. Terms are manipulated through some rules, (the α-equivalence, the β-reduction, and the η-conversion), which are the axioms of the theory and may be interpreted as rules of computation.
In mathematics, an operation is a function from a set to itself. For example, an operation on real numbers will take in real numbers and return a real number. An operation can take zero or more input values (also called "operands" or "arguments") to a well-defined output value.
If a real function f is given by a formula, it may be not defined for some values of the variable. In this case, it is a partial function, and the set of real numbers on which the formula can be evaluated to a real number is called the natural domain or domain of definition of f.
The preimage of an output value is the set of input values that produce . More generally, evaluating f {\displaystyle f} at each element of a given subset A {\displaystyle A} of its domain X {\displaystyle X} produces a set, called the " image of A {\displaystyle A} under (or through) f {\displaystyle f} ".
In calculus and its application to physics and other sciences, it is rather common to consider a variable, say y, whose possible values depend on the value of another variable, say x. In mathematical terms, the dependent variable y represents the value of a function of x .
The value of a function, given the value(s) assigned to its argument(s), is the quantity assumed by the function for these argument values. [1] [2] For example, if the function f is defined by f (x) = 2 x 2 – 3 x + 1, then assigning the value 3 to its argument x yields the function value 10, since f (3) = 2·3 2 – 3·3 + 1 = 10.